Out of curiosity, Chris, why did you give up your AVX mount?
I am considering getting an intermediate one between my iOptronSmartEQPro+ and my Atlas EQ/AZ. The latter being an outstanding mount in all respects and I love it, but it is getting a little too heavy and awkward to lift out through my patio door into the backyard. I am getting worried that I will slip a disk one day. The former being not precise enough for focal lengths longer than 300 mm or so.
I have been debating about the iOptronCEM25P, the HEQ-5 and the Celestron AVX.
I am thinking about getting an intermediate one between my iOptronSmartEQPro+ and my Atlas EQ/AZ. The latter being an notable mount in all respects and I love it, however it is getting a little too heavy and awkward to elevate out thru my patio door into the backyard. I am getting concerned that I will slip a disk one day. The former being no longer specific sufficient for focal lengths longer than 300 mm or so.
Hi Chris, I had tons of issues with AVX. I received it in early June, but I decided to do a final return for a refund today. It was too much for me... I ordered HEQ5 instead.
Unfortunately, it was not EKOS or any software issue. It was a defective mount. It started by mount going insane while slewing to a new target, then the HC doesn't show anything, then invalid packages 69, 86, and many others. After upgrading the firmware to fix the package issue, the enter button stopped working after a few minutes from startup!!!
Celestron tried to help, but they don't have HC units to send me (back-ordered) and don't have new mounts to replace. They offered to fix the HC unit, but I didn't like the idea of fixing a brand new mount. They accepted the return and ordered a replacement from the supplier, who confirmed today that they don't have any in stock and don't know when they can have it!!!